Wolff-Horner: war of leaders, war of words, war of egos

There is not only Max Verstappen et Lewis Hamilton who are having fun in 2021. Their respective bosses are also having a field day.

While the Dutchman and the Briton are engaged in an intense fight for the supreme title and they have clashed violently twice this season, at Silverstone and Monza, the two men nevertheless continue to have mutual respect.

We're not sure we can say the same about their respective bosses. Between Toto wolff and Christian Horner, the dispute is not new but it surfaces a little every day as the 2021 campaign enters its home stretch.

In long interview given to Daily Mail British, the main team Mercedes returned to his rival's allegations Red Bull, who believes that the Austrian is showing his true colors because he finds himself under pressure for the first time.

« I have the impression that he is one of the protagonists of a pantomime, he is part of the cast of the F1, Wolff told the English daily. As a participant, as a stable owner, I find it great that he makes up these kinds of stories.

But they are not relevant. When you slide a microphone under people's noses, they act like it's Hollywood and they're little actors.

It's perfect for filling in down time, and turning sport into a pantomime. It's good for F1, it's good for Netflix because they want to portray characters and not just film the times.

People became aware that their comments were being repeated when he made controversial remarks. This allows you to have your photo in the newspapers and get people talking in the media.

We're going back to our roots in a way, to the spirit of Bernie Ecclestone (former F1 grand financier, Editor’s note), from the time when F1 was a soap opera. And if the spectacle on the track wasn't thrilling enough, Bernie always had a shocking statement to get people talking. But I won't let myself be drawn into this little game ».

Unsurprisingly, Horner was questioned about the words of his best enemy this Friday at a press conference in Mexico. And the British manager responded with his style so british, all in vicious innuendoes and biting irony.

« We all know that Toto always has a lot to say, mocked Horner in the preamble. I was quite flattered actually, to be considered a protagonist.

If you look at the definition of the word, it means that there is also a villain in the story. I think the role suits Toto very well. And if we're in a pantomime, he can wear the matron's costume!

All that matters is the clash on the track and the fantastic competition between the teams. Nobody gives up, the pit walls are measured against each other, the same with the drivers, the engine manufacturers, the chassis, etc.

It's fantastic. We love it and it may lead to a few comments from time to time but I take things with a pinch of salt. I even consider that a compliment! »

Horner assured that the respect was mutual between Wolff and him but took the opportunity to throw at his opponent one of these barbs of which he has the secret.

« I have no problem with Toto: he does an extraordinary job... with a team that he inherited », asserted the boss of Milton Keynes (United Kingdom), rarely sparing a good word.

• Horner disappointed that Wolff plans clash in Abu Dhabi

On a more serious note, Horner admits to having been “ disappointed » by Wolff's comments regarding a possible clash between Hamilton and Verstappen in Abu Dhabi if the title were to be decided by Yas Marina during the championship final.

The Austrian had in fact suggested that such a scenario could not be excluded and that we should not try to avoid it.

« We want a fair fight between now and the end of the championship and I think any driver wants to win on the track, Horner reacted.

We are a team of competitors. If we manage to achieve this feat, and it is significant, we do not want it to be the result of a collision between drivers. There have already been enough this year.

We could see in Austin that we were dealing with two drivers at the top of their game and involved in a superb fight. If there were new duels of this intensity, Formula 1 would emerge even more successful.

Nobody wants to see a title obtained in a gravel trap ».

Clearly, this 2021 season is not lacking in spice, whether on or off the track!